Acquired during the 1960s, Hunts Pond State Forest is the most recently established State Forest in Chenango County. Its 1,397 acres traverse the valley of a feeder stream to the Unadilla River, giving way to a very diverse landscape of open fields, softwood plantations, hardwood forests, and beaver meadows.

Views of the Unadilla River valley are spectacular from the large open field on the western part of the forest. For those who want to see a beaver family hard at work, be sure to visit the beaver meadow in the south-central area, just off of Buttermilk Falls Road.

Various unmarked trails and logging lanes crisscross the forest; they can be used for hiking and cross-country skiing. Whether you are a hunter, hiker, camper, skier or just a general outdoor enthusiast, Hunts Pond State Forest is sure to provide the recreational opportunity you are looking for.

Dispersed Camping — Hunts Pond State Forest

This campground was created several decades ago as part of Hunts Pond State Park. It has now been decommissioned as a state park and is a state forest recreation area instead. The campground is still being minimally maintained as a group of 8 drive-in campsites on the north side, and 4 other scattered sites on the east and of the pond. However, the former park buildings, restroom facilities and water taps have all been removed. Although the campsites are large and nicely spaced on a beautiful lake in a secluded but easily accessible location, it was disconcerting to discover remants of previous campers’ potty stops in the bushes right next to several campsites. .

On the plus side, the pond is beautiful and has a good small boat access, and there is a nice hiking trail to a beautiful waterfall downstream on Buttermilk Creek Fallls. The woods are pristine and have mature trees for a good woodsy experience. The location is not hard to get to from Hwy 8, but is secluded and quiet.

Hunts Pond primitive state forest campground

These are free sites that you need to call to get a permit.

Quiet and serene

Such potential gone to waste. Primitive camping, nasty outhouses good for kayaking/fishing but wake up New York you’re sitting on a gold mine here. 